I'm still alive in case anyone is still keeping track... I know you've all been anxiously awaiting my latest update with baited breath (or something like that).
Wow so 3 weeks! I have to say, I'm already beginning to lose count of how many days I've been here... Time seems to run together and I'm having trouble remembering what day it is (or which way is up for that matter).
Anyways...
I'm pleased to announce that tomorrow I have a day off! I'm pretty excited! Amy and I are heading into Usuki to see the limestone caves and the stone Buddha statues that the city is famous for. (I use the term "famous" loosely). There's also supposed to be a bamboo field and a nine-storey pagoda so that'll be cool to see. I have to remember to charge my camera before I go to bed tonight (not that it will hold a charge for the whole day tomorrow anyway - but a girl can try).
Since my last update I've accumulated almost 30 hours of overtime at work (most still to be served mind you). I guess Nova is pretty hurtin' for teachers here in ye ol' Oita. Now that I've had some time to grow accustomed to the job I have to say that I still don't mind it all that much. It is a bit tedious and repetitive but it's pretty straightforward and not overly stressful. Most of the students try hard and it's nice that there are only 4 in a class (not that you could fit any more into the "classroom"). Most times there are only 2 students and sometimes even only one! Those one-on-one lessons are definitely the most challenging. Having two or four is the best because you can have them remember the new vocabulary by playing role-playing activities - definitely a setback when there's only one of them...
The kids classes are... well... also pretty straightforward (since the lesson plans are already pre-made), but as anything involving young children go - sometimes things are easier said than done... Overall I'd say the children listen well enough and do all the activities, but there's always one or two that like to be annoying and bratty. When that happens there's not a whole lot you can do aside from, well, ignoring them haha. Kicking them out of the room isn't really an option... But I guess one or two devil-children out of a possible eight isn't too bad (knock on wood). I definitely prefer the adult lessons though.
Is anything else new? Not really. It's been a while so you'd think there would be...? Tomorrow I can finally go and pick up my Alien Registration Card, here's hoping that doesn't take up the whole day! I guess I've just been working a lot, and going out to dinner sometimes... I usually don't get home from work until 10:00 so there's really not a lot to do then (especially since the last bus into or out of downtown is at 9:30 or so...) I need to get into a bigger city where there's more going on!!!
In a few weeks the Cherry Blossom festivals will begin so maybe that will bring some more excitement. People gather in the parks to look at the sakura (Cherry Blossoms) and to eat and drink. ...One of the rare occasions where it's okay to eat/drink outside here - most days you'd just get glared at or even yelled at (as we learned the hard way).
Alright well now I have to go find my camera so I can plug it in.
Otsukairesama dess!
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